A latte is a popular coffee drink which consists of espresso and steamed milk. A traditional latte has the bold taste of espresso with creamy notes from the steamed milk.
Are you a fan of coffee-based drinks?
Even if you’re a coffee lover (like me!) who needs their morning coffee, it can be confusing to know the difference between the various types of coffees! This post covers popular types of coffees and their main differences.
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What is a latte?
A latte is a popular coffee drink which consists of espresso and steamed milk. This delicious drink has a lovely balance of coffee and milk flavor and is enjoyed all over the world by coffee lovers.
Components of a latte
The espresso is the heart of the latte. It gives the latte a strong, bold flavor and coffee taste. The espresso also brings a natural sweetness to the latte. This is enhanced by the steamed milk as the sugars in the milk caramelize during the steaming process.
The result is a harmonious balance of sweetness and a softer flavor profile. (This is less intense compared with other coffee drinks).
History of the latte
- The development of espresso originated in Italy in the late 19th century and the espresso machine was invented in 1884. Following this, it became a popular idea to add milk to coffee and the latte emerged.
- Interestingly “latte” is the Italian word for milk. (So if you are ever in Italy and ask for a latte don’t be surprised if you are given a glass of milk. You will need to ask for a “caffè latte” instead meaning “milk coffee”!).
- In modern times, lattes have become popular with the option of several variations and flavors. It is also a drink for expression of creative coffee art (latte art)!
Taste and texture of a latte
Several factors influence the taste, flavor and texture of a latte. This includes the type of milk, which coffee beans are used for the espresso and whether sweeteners or flavors are added.
Traditional lattes have a smooth and velvety texture with a creamy taste which comes from the steamed milk. The milky taste in a latte is paired with strong, roasted notes from an espresso.
This popular drink can also include sweeteners including maple syrup, honey or flavored syrup adding to sweetness and different flavors.
Types of milk
You can use different types of milk depending on your preferences and dietary requirements.
- Whole milk: provides a richer taste and creamier texture.
- Semi-skimmed/2% or skimmed dairy milk: a lighter alternative option to whole milk.
- Non-dairy milk: plant-based milk can be used as a milk alternative. Almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk or soy milk can be used which also bring their own unique taste and texture to the latte.
Popular flavours of latte
One of the things that makes a latte so exciting is the wonderful range of flavors that can be added depending on individual preferences.
Whilst some people prefer a simple classic latte, others prefer flavored lattes. Often, these flavored lattes may be the first latte people will try!
Some of the post popular lattes include:
Vanilla latte: vanilla syrup or flavouring can be added to this drink to bring a warm taste of vanilla. Alternatively, vanilla flavored coffee capsules can be used (if you use a Nespresso machine) to bring a delicate vanilla taste to the latte.
Matcha latte: this is a unique twist on the traditional latte, combining steamed milk with matcha green tea powder and hot water. You will notice the matcha latte taste is different from the normal latte – with notes of earthy matcha tea instead of coffee notes (from the espresso). This drink can be served hot or cold as iced matcha latte.
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Caramel latte: caramel syrup or caramel flavored coffee capsules (including the Nespresso range) can be used to add a delicate caramel flavor to this drink.
Hazelnut latte: made using hazelnut syrup or hazelnut flavored coffee capsules/pods and garnished with freshly roasted hazelnuts for a nutty taste.
Chai latte: this is a cross between a typical latte and masala chai. This spiced flavour is popular and can be a treat for the taste buds – particularly when you are looking for a warming drink!
Seasonal lattes: During Christmas time, I love going into my local coffee shop and seeing the seasonal treats including festive-flavored lattes such as toffee nut latte and gingerbread latte. Toffee nut latte brings a sweet, warm and buttery tone with a hint of roasted nut to the traditional latte. Gingerbread latte also brings a nutty flavour and taste of gingerbread to the classic drink. You may also see pumpkin spice latte during the fall/Autumn season – this spiced latte has a subtle pumpkin spice flavor with a similar creamy texture to a regular latte.
Latte vs Cappuccino
Lattes and cappuccinos are some of the most popular coffee beverages.
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a latte and a cappuccino? Here are the some of the key differences between these two drinks:
| Latte | Cappuccino | |
| Ratio of espresso to milk | Higher ratio of steamed milk to espresso | Traditionally has equal ratio of espresso, steamed milk and foam |
| Taste | Mild, creamy and subtler coffee flavour | Strong, bold and intense coffee flavor |
| Texture | Creamy, velvety and smooth texture | Frothy, light and airy texture |
| Foam | Thinner layer of foam | Thick layer of foam |
| Serving style | Typically served in a large glass or cup (as a higher volume of steamed milk) | Typically presented in smaller cups showcasing the foam |
How much caffeine is in a latte?
The caffeine content will vary depending on the number of shots of espresso and the size of the latte. For each shot of espresso added to the latte, you can expect approximately 70 milligrams of caffeine. If the latte is decaffeinated, for each shot of espresso, there will be approximately 2-5 milligrams of caffeine.
Other types of coffee
Espresso: also known as espresso shot or espresso drink, a concentrated coffee which can be enjoyed alone or as an espresso base for other coffee drinks.
Americano and Long Black: espresso-based drinks like the Americano and long black are made with a single shot of espresso (or double shot of espresso for a stronger drink) and hot water.
Macchiato: “Macchiato” is the Italian word for spotted, which indicates the way the espresso is marked by the steamed milk (and vice versa). Types of macchiato include espresso macchiato (an espresso marked with a small amount of steamed milk/foam) and latte macchiato (made with steamed milk marked with espresso).
Flat white: similar to latte but stronger due to a higher coffee-to-milk ratio and a thinner layer of foam (microfoam layer).
Iced coffee or iced latte: coffee or latte served cold, with ice. Iced coffee can be made as a cold brew or hot over ice.
How to serve latte and other types of coffee
A latte can be served in a large glass or cup with whipped cream, chocolate shavings or a dash of cinnamon.
Serve latte or your preferred cup of coffee with sugar-free cookies, homemade chocolates or a slice of chocolate gateau for a coffee bar experience and enjoy!
Drinks
Looking for some tasty drinks? Try these:
Something sweet with your latte?
Serve your latte with some refined sugar-free treats!
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